Associations Between Self-reported Inhibitory Control, Stress, and Alcohol (Mis)use During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK: a National Cross-sectional Study Utilising Data From Four Birth Cohorts

We explored (1) self-reported changes in alcohol use during the pandemic in the UK and (2) the extent to which self-reported inhibitory control and/or stress were associated with any change in drinking behaviour. We used a UK-based cross-sectional online survey administered to four nationally representative birth cohorts (N = 13,453). A significant minority of 30- (29.08%) and 50-year-olds (26.67%) reported drinking more, and between 32.23 and 45.02% of respondents reported feeling more stressed depending on the cohort. Stress was associated with hazardous drinking among 30-year-olds (OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.15 to 12.28). Impatience was associated with both increased alcohol use (1.14, 95% CI 1.06, 1.24) and hazardous drinking (1.20, 95% CI 1.05, 1.38) among 19-year-olds. Risk-taking was associated with hazardous drinking for 30-year-olds (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.05, 1.32). These data highlight concerns for those at risk of alcohol misuse and alcohol-related harm during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Automated summary

This study explored self-reported changes in alcohol use during the pandemic in the UK and examined the association between self-reported inhibitory control and/or stress with changes in drinking behavior. The findings showed that a significant minority of individuals in the 30- and 50-year-old age groups reported drinking more, and a considerable percentage of respondents reported feeling more stressed. Stress was associated with hazardous drinking among 30-year-olds, impatience was associated with increased alcohol use and hazardous drinking among 19-year-olds, and risk-taking was associated with hazardous drinking for 30-year-olds. These data highlight concerns for individuals at risk of alcohol misuse and alcohol-related harm during COVID-19 lockdowns.